Britain to slash foreign student visa numbers

Alan Johnson, the Home Secretary, will unveil a range of measures banning students from bringing in dependants, ensuring they speak better English on arrival and cutting down the amount of hours they can work during term time.

The Home Office has been planning the crackdown for three months, following Gordon Brown's order for a review of the controversial student visa system for those coming to Britain from outside the European Union.

Ministers believe the new rules – to be introduced before the general election – will slash the numbers coming to the UK by tens of thousands. In 2008 233,000 student visas were granted with another 140,000 people granted entry as "student visitors".

Mr Johnson will face opposition from the section of the education establishment which depends on foreign students – including some prestigious colleges and schools – and is worth around £50 million a year.

Nearly a year ago the new "points based" system was introduced, which required students to have 40 points to come to Britain. Applicants receive 30 points for holding a course offer from a college or university, and 10 points for proving they can pay the fees and support themselves while in the country.

However, ministers have faced criticism the current system has allowed terrorist suspects and other bogus "students" to gain entry into Britain, many of whom have simply got jobs and stayed on despite their visas being temporary.